Marmalade Hoverfly.

[John 2]

They were very late this year but when they finally arrived, we were inundated.

Nikon D7100
100mm Tokina Macro
1/1000th Sec @f16 ISO 400 - .33EV
Spot Metered.

[Brownbear]

Wow! gorgeous detail

[Geoff F]

Yes, John, they were late arriving for me as well. Usually they are an early Spring species. Some years, I have even found the odd ones during mild spells in February!

But I'm still only seeing one or two a day where I live.

Syrphus have just started appearing in better numbers, but so many common species have been scarce this year.

[John 2]

Thanks Christina.

Geoff, we have planted quite a few Margaritas this year and the whole area is really busy. I think yours must have come to us for the summer. Not much else though. Apart from Whites large and small, there has been a real dearth of butterflies. A few Meadow Browns and Common Blues earlier in the year at our local reserve and that's about it. Even the buddleia is looking lonely.

[Wavelength]

Beauty Beyond my power of appreciation

[Geoff F]

Certainly slow starting for butterflies this year, John. But they have recently picked up in numbers and species at a couple of sites which I regularly visit.

And of course, the whites have discovered my Brussels Sprouts!

Incidentally, a few male Episyrphus have just appeared today. They seem to be desperately searching for females.

And a couple of other interesting species which I have added to the Post Your Insects thread.